Despite the Portuguese words "Papeis," "Colleccão," and "Espanea" in the title, the manuscript is entirely in Spanish. It is a collection of reference materials on Spanish history from the period 1500-1563. It does not appear to be an attempt at a chronicle. The state of preservation of the manuscript is generally excellent. The primary handwriting is consistently of the early seventeenth century, probably the first quarter of that century (watermark No. III dated to 1621). The calligraphy is generally clear, legible, and a good specimen of the handwriting of the period. There are scattered, occasional marginalia on one or more hands differing from that of the primary copyist-compiler. The manuscript title indicates that the volume was in Portuguese hands at one time.